Aylsham 0 Loddon Utd 3

Loddon are up and running after their first win of the season in Anglian Combination Division One.

With the home defeat by the same team leaving a bitter taste, Loddon came out of the traps flying. Their very first attack was cleared as far as Summons. He put Knights away down the right and his delicious cross was converted by a sliding Andersen at the far post inside 15 seconds.

Aylsham were stunned as Loddon dominated and watched in amazement when Jones picked up the ball on the left and fired an effortless left-foot shot from 25 yards into the top corner for 0-2.

The game was played at pace and the home side got more into the game. But Loddon defended superbly. With Ayre moved back to a centre back role and looking strong, the back line understanding and covering, with Oldham just in front, looked particularly solid and George Parkin in goal was threatened once but tipped over a good header.

Towards the end of the half, Joel Smith was upended and soon after he regained possession and then hit a sweet left-foot drive inches wide; his confidence growing after an understandably nervous start to his debut.

George Parkin took another drive comfortably and Summons, 10 yards out, met a cross from Knights but was just wide.

Loddon were a bit more casual in the second half but just after the hour mark, a Summons free kick was whipped in from Loddon’s right. It missed out all except Ayre at the far post who judged the flight and well to head home.

Knights and Smith worked hard up front keeping their defenders occupied and a great combination between them and Summons almost put Knights through.

Tackles were still flying in from both sides, but Loddon were able to take the sting out of the game with spells of tight possession. Matt Parkin stole possession in the centre circle, not for the first time, and found Knights. He side-stepped his marker but blasted over.

Oldham blocked a powerful shot as a resolute Loddon dug in and hung on for a splendid victory.

It was a good day at the office for Jeff Rowland and his men, especially after the previous week’s performance.

Special mention goes to Knights for his all-action effort, Joel Smith for a bright debut and Robbie Oldham who was always in the right place at the right time, tackling well and distributing effectively to get the Musker McIntyre man of the match award,

Loddon: G Parkin, Weston, M Ayre, Hancock, Jones, Andersen, M Parkin, Oldham, Summons, Knights, Smith. Sub: Cook.